Applications for the Class of 2027 are OPEN!
If you are interested in applying, please read over this page for information regarding the process.
Information sessions are also available (see below).
Application Process & Eligibility Guidelines
Applications for Found in Translation's Language Access Fellowship (LAF) will be open from July 17th - September 7th, 2026, and will be reviewed and processed in the order they are received until the deadline has passed. Applicants who begin but do not complete the application process will be given consideration for the next cycle.
We advise applicants to apply as soon as possible. Our goal is to issue final decisions on acceptance within 2 months of a submitted application.
We will make our best efforts to inform applicants of their status by email in a timely manner. Applicants can expect to spend 1-2 weeks in each step.
Step 1: Eligibility Form
Complete our Eligibility Form to determine if you meet the requirements for the Language Access Fellowship.
(See the Eligibility section below for full details on our criteria.)
Step 2: Fit Assessment Webinar and Survey
Eligible applicants will be invited to:
- Watch a 20-minute webinar about the first step of the LAF -- our Medical Interpreter Certificate Training and the interpreting profession.
- Complete a short survey to demonstrate your understanding and to help us determine if this program is strong fit for you.
Note: Viewing of the recording and submission of a survey is mandatory in order to move forward in the application process.
Step 3: Online Application
If your survey indicates the training is a good fit for you, you will receive a link to the online application.
Our selection process is based on economic needs and factors that we believe will lead to success in our program and in the medical interpreting profession (including language skills and motivation).
We encourage repeat applicants, and we give them special consideration in our selection process.
Step 4: Individual Interviews
Based on your application, candidates are invited for individual interviews.
We will ask about your life experiences, motivations for applying to the fellowship, and your goals upon completion of the training. You will also have a chance to ask us questions.
Step 5: Language and Academic Assessments & Document Verification
Finalists are chosen and:
- Grouped for a mock classroom experience with our Faculty (format and dates TBA).
- Connected to our Language Coaches for bilingual fluency testing, completed over the phone.
We also request proof of income if employed, and housing status, if experiencing homelessness.
Step 6: Class of 2027 Confirmed
Final selection is made based on information gathered across all rounds of our application process. Invitation letters are sent, and students confirm their participation.
If you'd like more information about the Language Access Fellowship, application process or have questions, we encourage you to sign up for a virtual information session!
Eligibility
A woman aged 18+
If you consider yourself a woman, so do we. Transgender women are women and we encourage them to apply. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to work as interpreters.
Fluent in English and another language
To be eligible to participate in the Language Access Fellowship, you will need to have fluency in English and another language. (We accept ALL languages.) You should speak both languages smoothly, comfortably, and correctly with only minor mistakes.
- We utilize a college-level textbook which requires English language reading and comprehension skills.
- All of our presentations, professional development, and mentoring sessions are in English, with language coaching held in both languages.
- For coursework around medical terminologies, we require basic writing skill in another language as well as English, therefore candidates will be assessed for both oral and written fluency as part of eligibility determination. Special accommodations may be provided for uncommon languages.
Be Within Commuting Distance to Greater Boston
Our model relies heavily on in-person community-building and engagement between students, faculty, and volunteers. If someone does not live within commuting distance to the Greater Boston area, they will not be able to participate in key components of the LAF Program (Exceptions can be made for individuals with mobility challenges.).
In addition, after earning their certificates, we support graduates in finding work as interpreters in the Greater Boston area - a region where we have a deep professional presence and network, as well as a wealth of industry insight. We do not at this time have the capacity or resources in our flagship program to assist women who seek to work in other markets.
Low income (including homeless or formerly homeless)
Eligibility is based on combined household income, regardless of if the applicant herself is employed. To be eligible for our program, your annual household income must be at or below the following amounts relative to your household size (adults + children).
Recognizing that living in the Boston area is growing increasingly more expensive, we now use the "Very Low" income limit category.
- 1 person - $57,900
- 2 people - $66,200
- 3 people - $74,450
- 4 people - $82,700
- 5 people - $89,350
- 6 people - $95,950
- 7 people - $102,550
- 8+ people - $109,200
If employed, earn $20/hr or less as a W2 employee, or $25/hr or less as a 1099 freelancer
Exceptions can be made for applicants who are working temporary jobs.
Have at least a High School Diploma/GED
This level of education is required for employment as a medical interpreter, and like US employment eligibility, assisting with this type of service is outside the scope of our program. Graduates of our program range in education from recent GED recipients to former doctors in their home countries - and many have some form of post-secondary education.
The diploma can be an international equivalent.
Not already hold a Medical Interpreter Certificate
Please note that we are looking for candidates who have the talent and skill but not the means to enter the Medical Interpreting profession. Therefore, applicants who already hold a Medical Interpreter Certificate will not be considered.
2027 Programming Schedule
Participating in the first step of the Language Access Fellowship - the Medical Interpreter Certificate Training - is a large time commitment. In 2027, the class will run between January-June including intake (before classes begin), orientation week, and exit interviews post-training. In addition, students are expected to commit to 20 hours per week to this program, which includes class time, assigned readings, self paced components, video lectures, assignments, quizzes, exams, and completion of professional development components.
Dates
January - June 2027
Class Times
3 Weekday Evenings (at least 1 in-person)
Location
Online via Zoom (classroom components) and CANVAS online learning management system (self-paced study).
In-Person class will take place in the Greater Boston area, location TBD.
